Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Note: with half a pack of pasta; if using a whole pack, double everything else.
Nutrition
979
Calories
64g
Protein
104g
Carbs
96g
Fat
Ingredients
| 1 | chicken breast, boneless and skinless, sliced in half horizontally | |
| 0.5 tsp | 2.5 ml | salt |
| to taste | freshly ground black pepper | |
| 0.5 tsp | 2.5 ml | garlic powder |
| 1 tsp | 5 ml | Cajun seasoning (for chicken) |
| 1 tbsp | 15 ml | olive oil |
| 226.8 g | dry spaghetti | |
| 3 tbsp | 45 ml | unsalted butter |
| 4 cloves | garlic, minced | |
| 1 | shallot, minced | |
| 2 | tomatoes (1 if using sour cream) | |
| 300 ml | heavy cream (better with sour cream) | |
| 118.29 ml | reserved pasta water | |
| 1.5 tbsp | 23 ml | Cajun seasoning (for pasta) |
| 0.5 tsp | 2.5 ml | red chili flakes |
| 236.59 ml | freshly grated parmesan cheese | |
| 0.5 tsp | 2.5 ml | salt |
| to taste | freshly ground black pepper | |
| 2 tbsp | 30 ml | chopped parsley |
Instructions
Tips to Make the Perfect Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Don't Overcook the Chicken: Thinly sliced chicken cooks quickly so pull it off the heat as soon as it's done to keep it juicy.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts more smoothly into the sauce and gives better flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
- Reserve That Pasta Water: A little starchy water makes the sauce silky and helps it cling to the pasta.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water then drain the pasta.
- Pat the chicken dry then season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the garlic and shallot and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the diced tomatoes, heavy cream, reserved pasta water, Cajun seasoning, and red chili flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and simmer the sauce until slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Turn off the heat, transfer pasta to a plate, then slice the chicken and place it on top of the pasta.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra freshly grated parmesan before serving.